Aspirin for the prevention of vascular death in women.

OBJECTIVE

To review current information relevant to the use of aspirin for preventing vascular death in women, and to provide recommendations based on this information.

DATA SOURCES

References from pertinent articles are identified throughout the text.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Based on current information, low-dose aspirin is not recommended as primary prevention for cardiovascular death in women; efforts are better focused at promoting risk-factor reduction. Low-dose aspirin is recommended for reducing further cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women with known cardiovascular disease. Women presenting with unstable angina or myocardial infarction should receive aspirin 325 mg as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed, and this dosage should be continued on a chronic basis. Women who have experienced transient ischemic attacks or ischemic stroke should receive aspirin 1000 mg/d, with a subsequent dosage reduction to 325 mg/d in patients who do not tolerate the higher dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Current recommendations are based on the results of studies that involved few women. Further investigation of antiplatelet agents for primary and secondary prevention of vascular death in women is needed.